Featured in Moving in circles – 09-2024

UP: Solar recycling needs transparency

European industry association PV Cycle estimates a 10 MW solar site will eventually produce 700 tons of waste material. It is becoming increasingly clear that PV modules need end-of-life protocols – for the technology and material processing, and the regulatory environment.

By

Mark Hutchins

06 Sep 2024

Much of the low-hanging fruit has already been picked when it comes to module recycling. Aluminum and copper are easily recycled. | Photo: Soren

Most of the easy wins for PV module recycling have already been made. Materials such as the aluminum or steel used for module frames and the copper used in wiring can be easily separated from a panel and already have well established recycling markets. Modules can be shredded at electronic-waste or other recycling facilities and …

This article is part of pv+

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